Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-The Federal Parliament of Somalia on Wednesday passed a procedure that will pave a way for amendments to be made into the provisional constitution, despite divisions from the bicameral and rejections from opposition politicians.
According to the Secretariat of the lower House of Parliament, 210 members attended today' s joint session and 180 lawmakers voted in favor of the proposed document while 30 others rejected.
Chairperson of the Independant Constitutional Review, Burhan Adan Omar said that this procedure outlines the necessary steps that parliament must undertake, emphasizing transparency and inclusivity in the decision-making process. "By adhering to this framework, the mandated institutions strive to engage the public and ensure a fair and accountable approach to constitutional amendments", he said.
Former Senator of the Federal Parliment of Somalia, Hussein Sheikh Mohamud said that this was an achievement that demonstrated the parliament's capability to properly manage the process and fulfil its responsibilities.
"We anticipate that in 2024, the Parliament will solidify the legacy of Somali people by concluding the constitution. ‘We defend the country with one hand and simultaneously continue the state building process with the other", Hussein said on X post.
““It is also an obstacle to our stability as a government. For us to have any relations with another government, we should have a complete constitution. This will result in Somalia being seen as a country that has cut itself off from the cycle of vulnerability that was creating a lot of doubt”, President Hassan Sh. Mohamud said during his speech before the Parliament in November last year.
But Former Presidents and Prime Ministers express concern over the immediate changes made into provisional constitution. Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, Hassan Ali Khaire and Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharma’arke opposed to the Government’s intention towards the constititiutional change at moment.
“What is the objective of tabling divisive constitutional changes when we are facing major internal & external challenges. The hon MPs must understand that such changes could not be carried out unless adopting this unconditional procedure before you. Protect the process & Vote NO” Former Prime Minister, Omar Abdirashid said on X formerly twitter.
